Walk-In Services at the Help Center

The Civil Court Help Centers provide free walk-in services
to litigants who are not represented by an attorney and
have cases pending in the Civil Court of the City of New York.
Visit Representing Yourself
to find assistance and information on-line.
If you still need help in person, read below to
learn what services are available in the Help Center.

No appointment is necessary to use the Help Center.
But, staff are busy so be prepared to wait your turn.
Free interpreters can be called to assist you.
You should bring any court papers and relevant notices
and any previous stipulations or court orders.

Help Center Attorneys

Come to the Help Center and meet with a “Help Center Attorney” for free.
Help Center Attorneys are attorneys employed by the Civil Court
who provide legal and procedural information to self-represented litigants.
These experienced lawyers, many of whom have years of legal experience,
meet daily with unrepresented litigants in the Help Centers.
They are neutral parties who can’t give legal advice
or tell you the best way to handle your case.
Help Center Attorneys can provide information:

Volunteer lawyers serve in the Help Centers and provide
free legal information and advice to owners and tenants who do
not have attorneys. As of January 2008, volunteer lawyers are
available to assist litigants with civil and
small claims cases in New York County.
The volunteer lawyers do not represent you in court
or file papers on your behalf.
If you wish to receive legal information
and advice from a volunteer lawyer, go to
How Do I Meet With A Volunteer Lawyer.

If there are no volunteer lawyers scheduled on a given date,
and you have questions about a pending case,
you should still consider going to the Help Center
to discuss your concerns with one of our experienced
and knowledgeable Help Center Court Attorneys.

Internet Access

The Help Center provides free limited access to the internet
for litigants to research community resources, and civil,
small claims and landlord-tenant law topics, while at the courthouse.
You can also use the computer to fill-out court
forms and
interactive court programs,
and watch videos,
which are also available on-line.
You can use the computer for up to 30 minutes
to visit a number of websites. However, you cannot read or send email.

Help Centers in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens are open Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. to assist litigants in landlord-tenant cases. All Help Centers are closed between 1:00 and 2:15 for lunch. These Centers provide extended hours to serve those who cannot come during regular business hours as follows:

*Please note that access to the Clerk's Office after 4:30 p.m. is limited to emergency applications.

Hours for Civil and Small Claims Help

The Help Centers in Manhattan, Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn provide Civil Attorneys to assist litigants with their civil/small claims cases. This service is provided on a first come first serve basis and is not available in the Harlem and Red Hook Court Help Centers. Hours vary depending on location. All Help Centers are closed between 1:00 and 2:15 for lunch. The hours and locations for Civil/Small Claims are as follows: